Introduced in 1963, the AKM-63 (the 'M' stands for Modernizirovnyie in Russian), Caliber 7.62x39mm.
The machined receiver of the AK-55 was replaced with a riveted sheet metal receiver for
simplified manufacturing. Original AKM's came initially with a wood butt, no top handguard, with a metal fore-end.
A supplementary pistol grip lay ahead of the magazine. This forward pistol grip is grasped during firing rather
than the handguard or the magazine. A Folding Stock Version was also introduced.
This weapon was eventually replaced by the AMD-65 variant.